Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-20-05-020 — Church of God at Christmas

Request: Special Exception in the A-2 zoning district to permit a cumulative total of 5,307 sq. ft. of accessory structures in lieu of 3,000 sq. ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: SYNOPSIS: Staff explained that the church, which has been at that location since 1975, poured a slab for a basketball court, and now wishes to construct a 60 ft. x 60 ft. canopy over it to make it an all-weather court for the youth of the area. Because the church did not think it needed a permit for the slab and did not obtain one staff stated that a condition requiring a permit for the slab was included in the conditions recommended by staff. Staff explained that the applicant will also need to permit several other accessory structures and demolish an old shed on the west property line. Staff explained that since the church's property is agriculturally zoned, and the Future Land Use is rural, the church did not need a special exception to be established. However, it did obtain a special exception in 1975 to place a mobile home for a night watchman on the property. The site has dense vegetation along the east and west property lines, and the canopy will be over 200 ft. from E. Colonial Dr. There will be as many as 35 children at the court, which will be supervised by 9 or 10 adults at all times. The applicant noted their agreement with the staff recommendation and conditions. A fellow pastor of the church expressed their support, and noted how the canopy will make it easier to facilitate play for the youth of the area. Three people spoke in favor of the application, and there was no one in opposition. The BZA concluded that the proposal will be an asset to the community, and will be compatible with the neighborhood and unanimously recommended approval of the special exception subject to the eight (8) conditions in the staff report.